Frequently asked questions

A. Isla Holbox is approximately 3-4 hours from Cancun depending on the transportation option that you choose. It is approximately 88 miles (142 km).

A. You will be dropped at Chiquila by your taxi, bus or shuttle, if you rent a car there is also parking available here. This is the town/port where you will take the ferry from to Isla Holbox, or hire a private boat across to the island.

A. The ferry ride is approximately 20 minutes to Isla Holbox from Chiquila.

A. Yes, on the road coming from the ferry terminal there is a money exchange shop. You can also exchange USD to Mexican pesos at CiBanco, which is also close to the ferry terminal.

A. Yes there are several ATMs on the island. You can also take money out at the ATM at CiBanco.

A. Some places do have the facilities available for you to be able to pay with your card. However, please note that there may be a service charge added.

A. No, you cannot take any vehicle over to Isla Holbox as a visitor, while there is a cargo ferry, this is only available for shipping across supplies, and for local residents to take their vehicles.

A. No, there are barely any cars on Isla Holbox. You can rent a golf cart or a bicycle, or use their local golf cart taxi service to get around the island.

A. Yes, there are golf cart taxis on Isla Holbox, when you come off the ferry there is a golf cart taxi station. There are also many taxis located around the main square to help you get to your destination on the island.

A. Isla Holbox is a long, thin island. It is approximately 26 miles long, and only 1 mile wide, however, there is one main downtown area, and some hotels and beach clubs in the hotel zone to the east of the town center, as well as to the west towards Playa Punta Cocos.

A. There is a long stretch of white sandy beach running along the north, here you can find some beautiful spots to lay out your sarong or towel in the white powdery sand, and take a dip in the refreshing shallow water. There are some great beach clubs to visit.

A. Explore nature, relax on the beach, take some trips to see birds, whale sharks and other wildlife, bathe in the sea, enjoy Isla Holbox’s different restaurants, cafes and bars or enjoy a day at a beach club. This is a great island to come to if you’re a nature lover, or if you want to disconnect for a while.

A. Yes, there are grocery stores on the island. While you will not find a big supermarket such as Walmart or Costco on the island, there are smaller stores such as Dunosusa, Chakte, and Six, as well as smaller coner shops/convenience stores.

A. Yes, there are several pharmacies on Isla Holbox, in the town, where you can buy medicines. (please note you may need a prescription for certain medications).

A. Yes there are doctors in Isla Holbox that you can go to see, or that will do house calls to your accommodation.

A. No, there are smaller medical centres on Isla Holbox, Centro de Salud can help with some medical needs.

A. Data service and WiFi can be a little sporadic on Isla Holbox. If you’re looking to work online, or want to stay connected, the island offers some places to stay with satellite WiFi connection which is a little better. You may find the internet connection to be slower than it is in cities and towns. There are also areas where cellular service does not reach.

A. No, it is not recommended to drink the mains-supply water, this can make you sick. Buy bottled water, or use the water from the garaffons, this has been purified, and is drinkable, and you can fill your bottle up with this water. Ice on Isla Holbox has been made using this purified water.

A. Beach access is free. All beaches in Mexico are public, and free to use. Lay out your towel, sarong, or take your beach chair and relax. However, expect to pay at the beach clubs, the use of loungers, beds and chairs often costs money, or are free with the consumption of food and drink.

A. Yes, while Isla Holbox has a quieter, go slow atmosphere, there are some bars, beach clubs, and restaurants available with live music and DJ’s that you can dance and party along to.

A. Yes, there are some spots on the island with live music. Check out the beach clubs, restaurants and bars with bands, singers and DJs.

A. Yes, you can bring your pet on the ferry on the top, open air area of the ferry. There are also accommodations that allow pets. Please note that there are areas of the island that they don’t want you to take your dogs so as not to disturb the wildlife, nature and birds, there are signs around to warn you of these areas.

A. Spanish is the primary language in Isla Holbox, however, due to the many tourists that come to the island, many people can speak some English.

A. In general the island is not very wheelchair accessible, with sandy, uneven roads, and little sidewalk. However, there are golf cart taxis, as well as golf cart rentals that could help you to get around. There are also some accessible accommodation options available.

A. Yes, there are yoga classes available in Isla Holbox.

A. Yes, there are spas, and many options for massages on Isla Holbox.

A. Yes, there are some spas and salons on the island where you can get manicures and pedicures.

A. Yes, there are restaurant options for vegetarians and vegans. If you’re just looking for a snack, try out one of the many fruit stands/shops, with fresh and beautiful produce.

A. Yes,there are campsites on Isla Holbox where you can take your own tent or use options that they have available.

A. Yes, you can buy alcohol on the island, there are some grocery stores in the town with liquor and beers on sale, and you can also buy tequila and mezcal in some of the artisanal tequila shops.

A. Because of its tropical climate, there are mosquitos in Isla Holbox year round. During the rainy season the mosquitos are worse. We recommend repellent whatever time of the year you are visiting. At dawn and dusk they are worse, long sleeves and pants may also deter them.

A. There are pharmacies and convenience stores where you can buy sunblock and other essentials that you may have forgotten.

A. Yes, there are bars on Isla Holbox where you can go to watch a game or your team play.

A. Most of the time the dogs that you see wandering the streets in Isla Holbox have owners, while they may not have collars, they have been allowed out to roam for the day and enjoy the island. However, if you are looking to adopt an animal during your stay on Isla Holbox there is an animal rescue centre, close to Tribu hostel, called Refugio Animal Holbox, here you can go by to visit help out and walk their dogs, as well as see any dogs or cats that are up for adoption.

A. You can access most of the island by foot, however, if you are walking through the more untouched/wild areas please be aware of signs restricting certain areas to preserve nature and keep wildlife safe.

A. You can see the bioluminescence on a dark night. The best month is July. Spring, summer, and autumn they can also be seen on dark nights. They are visible on the sand bar on the east of the island, and also close to Punta Coco on the west of the island. Take a kayak tour to see them.

A. There are trips during the months of May - September to swim with the whale sharks, or if you don’t want to swim, you can simply ride out on the boat to see them. This is a popular experience to try while you’re visiting the island.

A. You can walk to see the flamingos at Punta Mosquito or Punta Coco from a distance if they are there, please note, there are often yellow buoys around the area, you cannot cross these as they indicate a conservation area. If you see flamingos it is also important for you to keep your distance, do not disturb them in their natural habitat and when they are feeding. Isla Holbox is part of a nature reserve and it is important that you respect the wildlife and nature of the island, please read signs located around the island and in conservation areas to make sure you are following the rules. There are also trips that will take you to see the flamingos (horse riding, the three island tour, and the trip to the bird island).

A. Depending on your provider in your home country, whom you may want to check with before you travel (is Mexico covered in your plan?). The data coverage may be slow on the island in certain areas where there is little or no service.

A. No, please help us to protect the island, our oceans and nature. Unless it is human produced trash, please do not remove anything from the sea or our beaches, or from the island's natural habitat. Please do not touch the sealife while in the water.

A. Yes, there are some insects, animals and sealife you should avoid or be cautious of. While many will not bother you if you do not disturb them, you should be cautious of scorpions, spiders and some colorful caterpillars... don’t forget to wear bug repellent for the mosquitos. There have been reports of stingrays in the water near the sand bar, and crocodiles in the mangroves. Isla Holbox has a rich natural habitat with lots of wild creatures!

A. Yes, there are dentists in Isla Holbox.

A. You can rent a golf cart or bicycles on Isla Holbox to explore at your own pace.

A. There are golf cart taxis available to help you to get around if you need.

A. You can’t surf the waves in isla Holbox as the water is fairly shallow and the waves are not big. You can kitesurf here.

A. There are tours that can take you out fishing to catch your own seafood dinner.

A. Tipping in bars and restaurants is recommended at 15% (plus). Check that a ‘suggested tip’ hasn’t been added onto the total, before tipping twice. Always check your bills carefully!

A. If you are coming from another country (USA, Canada, Europe etc.) to Mexico you will need a passport to enter into Mexico at the airport/border. At immigration when you enter Mexico, you will be issued your visa for your stay for a maximum of 180 days.

A. Cannabis is illegal in Isla Holbox, and throughout Mexico.

A. There are laws in place which restrict you from bringing products from your home country to Mexico.